(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

“It’s almost like an introduction to networking, and to build those life skills.”

Such were the words of Lauren Zemcik, who is the Vice President of Operations for the Beaver County YMCA headquartered on Junction Stretch in New Brighton. The “Y” is gearing up for a summer that includes the Summer Playgrounds program, the Summer Camps program, operating the Ellwood City Veterans’ Pool, and the Summer Food Programs…among many more.

The Summer Playgrounds program in particular incorporates multiple boroughs throughout Beaver County, allowing kids to participate in many different available activities. “They’ll do structured activities,” Zemcik said, “[such as] kickball, crafts, or STEM stuff…our counselors come with a gigantic bin full of stuff, including a first aid kit.” The Summer Playgrounds program runs from June 13 to August 5 with hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, and further details about activities and participation can be found by calling the Beaver County YMCA at (724) 891-8439.

The YMCA is also hosting Summer Camps running from June 13  until August 19 (full details can be seen here), and they’re also bringing back Camp Rise (formerly Camp Achieva) for school-aged children with disabilities. They will also be holding lifeguard training in three day-long sessions from June 13 to June 15, and the Summer Food Program will once again be available for kids up through Age 18.

To watch the full interview with Lauren Zemcik, click the Facebook feed below!